Anura promises ‘thriving nation’ and ‘beautiful life’ in his manifesto

National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayaka officially launched his election manifesto, titled “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life,” in Colombo yesterday.

The manifesto which Dissanayaka described as the product of two years of intense discussion and debate within the party had been presented as a direct response to the widespread misinformation surrounding what an NPP-led government would look like, he said.

During the launch of his manifesto, Dissanayaka addressed the current state of the nation, expressing deep concerns about what he described as a systemic failure.

The NPP/JVP Leader stressed that law and order were vital to building a thriving nation and ensuring a beautiful life for its citizens.

The NPP’s manifesto is based on creating a ‘comfortable country’, ensuring a safe nation, achieving economic prosperity, and fostering a ‘steadfast, proud society’. Central to the NPP proposed reforms is the abolition of the executive presidency and transitioning to a parliamentary system to prevent the concentration of power in a single office. Dissanayake has also promised reforms to the parliamentary election system and promised to ensure fairer representation and a reduction in the number of official residences for the president, coupled with the elimination of excessive privileges for retired presidents and their spouses.

A significant part of the manifesto is dedicated to political reforms to promote accountability and efficiency. The NPP plans to limit the Cabinet to 25 ministers and abolish the positions of State Ministers. It proposes the establishment of Expert Advisory Boards for each ministry to enhance decision-making processes.

In a move to empower the electorate, the manifesto introduces the concept of Electoral Accountability, which would enable citizens to recall corrupt representatives. The NPP also aims to abolish the five-year pension and duty-free vehicle licenses for Members of Parliament, emphasising the need for accountability and transparency at all levels of the government.

On the issue of law and order, the NPP manifesto outlines several critical measures, including the establishment of an Anti-Discrimination Commission with statutory powers to combat racial and religious extremism. The party is committed to investigating political killings, enforced disappearances, and abductions, ensuring justice for the victims of these crimes. Additionally, the NPP plans to expand the efforts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the violence caused by racial and religious extremism and pursue legal action against those responsible for the Easter Sunday attack in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Commission.

The NPP promises to revisit the International Monetary Fund’s income-based expenditure management proposals, proposing new measures for efficient tax administration and government expenditure management. It plans to conduct an alternative debt sustainability analysis and a detailed credit audit of government loans. To stimulate economic growth, the NPP will prioritise legislation to attract foreign investment in strategically important sectors, with a particular focus on public-private and public joint ventures.

Dissanayaka insists on a systemic change, urging Sri Lankans to envision a nation where everyone is treated equally before the law and corruption is eradicated.